Workplace mental health under the spotlight at North East business event

July 12, 2018

81

Mental health in the workplace is the focus of an event aimed at North East business leaders, managers and HR professionals taking place at the Hilton in Newcastle on Wednesday 18 July, between 9am and 10:30am.

The event will see Dr Philip McCrea, Chief Medical Officer at occupational health specialist BHSF provide advice on the early intervention strategies that can be put in place to support employees. Rebecca Denvers from Irwin Mitchell solicitors will offer legal guidance on mental health and employment law.

Research published earlier this year found that workers in Newcastle take an average 7.4 days off for mental health problems each year, with 27% calling in sick claiming a physical illness to mask a mental health issue.

The same report revealed that just under half (48%) of employees in Newcastle admitted to suffering from stress, a third from anxiety (33%) and a quarter from depression (23%). Despite 52% admitting that work is the main cause of their mental health problems, 48% would not feel comfortable telling their boss if they were struggling with an issue of this nature.

Dr Philip McCrea, Chief Medical Officer at BHSF, said: “Poor mental health is both widespread and hidden from view in workplaces across the North East. For businesses, developing early intervention techniques is key to ensuring employee health and wellbeing, as well as avoiding a crisis point that can prove to be damaging for both the individual and business.

“Our Newcastle event will provide practical advice on coping with the onset of poor mental health in the workplace, as well as information on legal requirements and advice.”

How to deal with mental health in the workplace will take place at the Hilton in Newcastle on Wednesday 18 July, between 9am and 10:30am.